Marine biodiversity in the North-central coast of Peru: an approach for the evaluation of management plans

Abstract

The status of marine biodiversity in Los Chimus Bay and La Viuda and Tortuga Islands is shown and its application is discussed as a management plan evaluation strategy. The study was carried out in Los Chimus Bay, where samples were taken in triplicate (n=3) by considering eight equidistant stations distributed throughout the bay, in which sediment samples were collected, with a van Veen dredge, for the recording of macrobenthos organisms. On each island, four transect stations were determined parallel to the coastline, to collect organisms from the megabenthos, three samples were taken by diving, and audiovisual records. Depth, temperature, salinity, and oxygen were recorded at each sampling point. The results show that the highest values of density, biomass, and diversity of organisms associated with benthos are outside the areas where the suspended culture of Argopecten purpuratus (L.) is currently carried out. This could indicate that anthropogenic activities are a determining factor in the decline of community parameters within Los Chimus Bay. However, historical information is required to determine the relationship between human factors and benthic community dynamics. In this regard, it is recommended that marine biodiversity studies be integrated as part of coastal zone management plans.